Valencia mall molestation suspect surrenders to sheriff's department

The suspect surrendered to L.A. County Sheriff's deputies Tuesday less than 24 hours after he allegedly molested an 11-year-old boy in a mall bathroom.

Police had identified the man as a suspect in the molestation, which allegedly happened Monday at the Westfield Mall in Valencia.

The same suspect was arrested a week ago on another assault case.

According to the sheriff's department, an 11-year-old boy was using the public restroom in the food court area Monday at about 4 p.m. when a stranger sexually assaulted him.

The boy's father then confronted the suspect.

Investigators later identified the suspect as 25-year-old Casey Crockett.

According to investigators, the boy's father got into a physical fight with Crockett after hearing about what happened in the restroom, but Crockett took off running in the direction of a transit center across the street.

The Special Victims Bureau of the sheriff's department began a search for Crockett. We went to the home where he lives with his parents earlier today.

No one answered the door at the residence where Crockett lives with his parents. Neighbors were shocked to hear what he was accused of.

Crockett surrendered to sheriff's deputies less than 24 hours later.

A mall representative said they are cooperating with the investigation, and the safety and security of shoppers remains the mall's priority.